Yes, while adoption carries significant costs, surrogacy is generally a far more expensive proposition -- medical and legal bills can be staggering. And yet, more aspiring couples of relative affluence (both straight and gay) are now willing to absorb these costs.

Also, it's not uncommon for one gay and one lesbian couple to arrange a mutual surrogacy, thus lowering costs with the hoped-for result of two children, one for each side. Sometimes these four parents morph into an extended family for the long term.

Social norms and parenting options are changing quickly, and I can understand being surprised at first. None of the options above has ever held a shred of appeal to me, but I try to stay open-minded toward those for whom it is an important life goal.

To another point, you'll be seeing that new gay family out on regular strolls. It's an option, if you're inclined, to treat them as new, friendly acquaintances and give them a sense of "place." This can happen, whether or not your neighborhood is conservative.

It struck me as odd, because there is only one other couple on the block that goes out for walks with their tiny children. One of the father's I saw a few days ago could not take his eyes off of me.

Not everyone lives in a hipster area where gay people can frolic down the street while holding hands.

Do you live in a deeply conservative area, or have conservative views toward gay parenthood?

I ask because I find it interesting that you use "exclamation marks of astonishment" to note in 2021 that a child has two fathers -- with full beards, no less! -- and that they would (brazenly!) hold hands in public, which they have every right to do.